The Unity Symbol

Wear it with Pride!

NJEA members proudly display the unity symbol on sweatshirts, bumper stickers, posters, stationery, and pins. Yet few know what the symbol really means. In 1966, the NEA Executive Committee adopted the symbol as the “collective membership mark” of the united teaching profession.

The arrow represents the forward thrust of education.

The pi symbol is the Ancient Greek word for education and a non-repeating mathematical concept. Together, the arrow and the pi symbol link the legacy of the past with the future.

The spherical triangle represents the profession’s three-fold purpose: to promote the cause of education; advance the interests of the profession; and serve members at all levels – local, county, state, and national.

The New Jersey Education Association was founded in 1853 by a group of educators with a desire to improve public education and elevate the teaching profession. According to Association records, the primary interest of NJEA in the early years was related to teacher preparation, professional development, and instruction.